Food Review: Naughty Italian

If you LOVE pasta then *sings* Put your hands up in the air like you just don't care 🙌🙌🙌

Recently, I had the privileged to be invited to do a food review for this newly established Italian kiosk-restaurant situated in the food court of Mainroad Jalan Ampang. 

Naughty Italian started operation just 5 months ago, on the 1st of April 2019. Eddie, the owner, started it with a passion towards Italian dish, passion in serving people good food, and passion in being in the kitchen. 

Even though it was hard when they first started operating, they refused to give up. Instead, they stood up and improved the food quality, services and cooking technique. And now, they are among the top 3 vendors in Mainroad Jalan Ampang. 

Even though Naughty Italian is a small kitchen, they have a high standard SOP that is similar to any big restaurant. Everything from the sauce, the meatballs and the gravy is made from scratch so it's high quality guaranteed. They are proud to say that they do not use any ready-made item.

Enough of the introduction. Let me bring you through some of the dishes I had sampled (and can't stop thinking about it!).

Menu: Trio Mushroom Bruschetta
Price: RM14.50

Review: 

If you are a mushroom lover, this earthy appetizer is for you! The creamy mushrooms are well seasoned, laying on top of pieces of crispy bruschetta. Every bite is bursting with flavour.

Menu: Virgin Lamb Brasato

Price: RM24.50

Review: 

The lamb is cooked for 5 hours to get it's tenderness. I love the juiciness in every bite. Pairing it with fettuccine gives the tummy just that extra comfort it's longing for.  

Menu: Sicilian Aglio Olio

Price: RM16.50

Review: 

I loved the flavors of the garlic with the parsley and cheese, with just a hint of the red pepper flakes. A simple yet classical Italian dish.

Menu: Mac & Blue Cheese

Price: RM16.50

Review: 

I wished it has a stronger blue cheese distinct smell, though. Nonetheless, it is the kind of comfort food that I can eat all day everyday! This cheesy pasta is topped with crispy bread crumbs to give it that extra texture. 

 

Menu: Shroom & Beef Lasagne

Price: RM19.50

Review: 

This is a wonderfully sinful dish that can never go wrong. Each layer of pasta is well cooked and has plenty of beef.

Menu: Basil Almond Pesto

Price: RM19.50

Review: 

THIS! Is my favourite of them all! If you know me, you'd know of my love for pesto. This one does not disappoint at all! This is soooooo delicious and fresh I could lick the whole plate clean. 

Menu: Naughty Carbonara (serve with poached egg)

Price: RM19.50

Review: 

This dish is their best seller pasta. A fettuccine pasta cook with beef bacon, mushroom and béchamel sauce, served with poached egg, parsley oil and sprinkle of breadcrumbs and fresh English parsley. The poached egg was nicely done with runny egg yolk when we cut it open.

Menu: Italian Nachos

Price: RM14.50

Review: 

I mean, who doesn't love nachos? It comes in great size to share. The topping is made of braised beef in tomato pomodoro, tomato salsa and drizzled with cheese sauce. 

Overall, I had a wonderful evening savoring all these mouth-watering dishes. If you are a pasta lover, cheese lover or a foodie who enjoys life, you should not missed out this hidden gem.

Naughty Italian now has ‘Traffic Hour’ campaign where you can get 15% discount on Monday till Friday, from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. Unfortunately, they're not partnering with any food delivery service at the moment as they want to settle down with the responsibilities of serving walk in customers. However, Main Road Jalan Ampang is a good place to chillax with family and friends with good food and buskers performing every Wednesday to Sunday.

More info 👇

Naughty Italian @ Mainroad Jalan Ampang

Operation hour: 5.00pm - 3.00am (Daily)

Facebook: Naughty Italian

Instagram: @my_naughtyitalian

Contact No.: 012-651 9451 

Traffic Hour Promo: 15% discount for Monday to Friday, 5.00pm to 7.00pm only.

ps/ A little bird told me that they're looking for a new place to open up their second branch. Fingers crossing hoping it's somewhere near me 🤭

pps/ That little bird also told me that they're launching ‘Smoke Duck Carbonara’ very soon 😋

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NIVEA FEATURES RARE AND LUXURIOUS HOKKAIDO ROSE IN THE ALL-NEW WHITENING DEEP SERUM DEODORANT

The precious Hokkaido Rose, which only blooms once a year, is the centrepiece in the all-new NIVEA Whitening Deep Serum Hokkaido Rose Deodorant, giving users a brand-new way to enjoy its luxurious and uplifting fragrance every day!

Using an innovative formula that combines concentrated Vitamin C to nourish underarm skin with the essence of Hokkaido Rose, the range provides users with 3x action, offering deep nourishment for visibly radiant skin, repair for smoother skin and the long-lasting fragrance of the precious Hokkaido Rose.

“As the No. 1 brand and leader in the deodorant market, NIVEA is proud to introduce something completely new. It is such a privilege for us to bring this essence of Hokkaido Rose to Malaysian women, as it is so rare and precious. While she is active and busy with life’s demands, the nourishing formula will repair and brighten her skin while providing an uplifting and delicate scent. With NIVEA Whitening Deep Serum Hokkaido Rose Deodorant, women will enjoy long-lasting fragrance for all day freshness and confidence,” said Mr. Ng Hock Guan, Country Manager for Beiersdorf Malaysia and Singapore.

Inspired by the unique Hokkaido Rose and this exciting range, famed Malaysian designer Melinda Looi created six exclusive bespoke designs consisting of stunning dresses and suits, showcased for the first time at the launch event.

“Roses are the epitome of feminine grace and beauty, and the story of the Hokkaido Rose is particularly interesting hence my vision for this special collection was to capture its unique and luxurious essence. Ultimately, I want any woman wearing one of my creations to feel as confident and beautiful as the unique Hokkaido Rose,” she explained.

Gracing the launch event in one of Melinda’s creations was actress Farah Nabilah, who paired her outfit with its inspiration, NIVEA Whitening Deep Serum Hokkaido Rose Deodorant.

“Some things are just made for each other and I love how this exclusive design brings out the best in me while NIVEA Whitening Deep Serum Hokkaido Rose Deodorant lifts my spirits with its luxurious scent. It’s really very empowering to feel this good and to celebrate the inner strength women have; we all deserve a touch of luxury in our lives, be it a designer outfit for a special occasion or a touch of beautiful Hokkaido Rose fragrance to help us face the day with confidence,” said Farah.

Also in attendance, popular artist Joey Chua, together with Farah, was another early user and fan of the brand-new NIVEA Whitening Deep Serum Deodorant range.

“After using NIVEA Whitening Deep Serum Hokkaido Rose Deodorant, I’ve noticed my underarm skin is visibly smoother and more radiant. This is so important for me as a performer who is constantly on stage. Using NIVEA gives me the instant boost of confidence I need before I perform as I know it will keep me fresh through every performance. Plus, I love the fragrance!” said Joey.

NIVEA Whitening Deep Serum Hokkaido Rose Deodorant and NIVEA Whitening Deep Serum Sakura Deodorant are now available in all leading stores and pharmacies nationwide in 50ml roll-on bottle and 150ml Spray bottle at the recommended retail price of RM12.50 and RM17.50 (respectively).

Follow www.facebook.com/mynivea for updates or for more information about NIVEA products, please visit https://www.nivea.com.my/.

About NIVEA

NIVEA was launched in 1911 as an affordable, high-quality cosmetic skin cream, employing an emulsifier to bind water and oil. Its snowy white colour inspired its name, derived from the Latin word nix and nivis (snow and of snow) and its legacy of over 100 years continues to grow from strength to strength.

NIVEA understands skin like no one else. That’s why we create products that cleanse, nourish and protect your skin, while giving it exactly what it needs – gentle yet effective care that keeps your skin smooth, supple and radiantly beautiful. No matter who you are, what you do, or where you live, we’re here to help you enjoy better skincare for life.

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How to be prepared for motherhood

Last week, someone asked me how to be prepared before becoming a mother.

Darling, no matter how many books you read, no matter how many questions asked, NOTHING can prepare you for motherhood.

It's a steep learning curve from day 1. But I'd like to think that I'll be at the top of the mountain with a great view as I look back.

However, I do have a list of things for you to practice before becoming a mother. This is solely based on my own experience ok.

1. Have your partner be on the same page with you.

If you've decided to breastfeed, go attend a breastfeeding class with your partner. If you want to practice baby-led-weaning (BLW) when your baby starts eating solids, educate him on the benefits and why you choose this method. If you prefer attachment-parenting, let him know and tell him why. If you don't want to let baby have fast food until the age of 3, let him know and let him know why. He might agree, he might not. You can always meet in the middle. But ultimately, both of you must be on the same page so that he can be your pillar of support and be there to shield you when other judgmental comments come shooting your way.

2. Start saying what is exactly on your mind.

It was last year, when my company sign us up for counselling sessions. And through that, I learned that I will have nothing to lose if I voice out my opinion. There's usually 2 outcome: either my opinion will be taken into consideration or rejected. But even if it's rejected, I still have nothing to lose. So if you think that kids shouldn't snack before meal time, and you see your in-law handing a piece of biscuit to your kid right before meal time, stop it. If the elders want to have their grandkids sit on their lap instead of the car seat, tell them that it's dangerous and you can't afford to lose your children.

3. Don't judge other women.

Karma is a bitch and it bites back fiercely. Pre-kids, I used to think that putting on harness is like walking a dog in the mall. Now, I understand why some parents do so. Better be safe than sorry! I don't have a safety harness but I'm still strapping Emmett around me even though he can walk reeaaaallly well now. Until today, I still have strangers walk up to me and ask why am I carrying him in a carrier. He's better off walking and exploring on his own *rolls eyes till the back of my head* ARE YOU GONNA BE FARKING ACCOUNTABLE IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO HIM!? I WANT TO ENJOY MY WINDOW SHOPPING WITHOUT HAVING TO CHASE AFTER A LET LOOSE MONKEY!

Ultimately, we must practice patience with ourselves and with the mothers in our lives as we turn into mothers.

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Tough Week

It's been a tough week.

I bought 3 rounds of clothes online and none of them fit me. And they're all in XL/XXL sizes. I was extremely down and defeated. What have I done to myself? I'm at my peak right now... in terms of weight and size. Now that breastfeeding is not so much of a full time thing anymore, I thought I could finally be myself again. But I guess... not. I over estimated myself for being able to fit in beautiful dresses.

Then on Saturday, I had this instinct to check on Charlotte. My heart sank when I saw those tiny spots on her right palm and ulcers in her mouth. The symptoms were just starting to show. Like, JUST. A HFMD case was reported from school on Wednesday.

As a result, our staycation at KL Hilton was burnt.

The last time she got HFMD was exactly 2 years ago, on the day I turned 30.

You have no idea how disappointed I am. But it's not her fault. We're just unlucky.

I'm now just sitting around, trying to get work done on the computer while everyone's still asleep, and waiting for Emmett's symptoms to show. I mean, how much can he be prevented? They just shared a lot of food the day before! I just wish that he's either strong enough to not get infected at all or show symptoms now so all this can be over as soon as possible.

Also, I really need to do something with my body. I know what to do, but it's so so hard. Especially hard times like this. Sugar comforts me.

Alright. Need to head back to work now.

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Charlotte Had A Hair Cut

The first thing people usually notice of Charlotte is her long silky hair and her resemblance to me. And for that, I take pride in her cuteness and her beautiful long hair. After all, I made her ok 😤

One fine day in February, as we're on our way home after I picked her up from school, she was rather quiet in the car. Then, I heard her gingerly said, "Mummy... mummy, I want to cut my hair. Can you cut my hair for me please?"

Shocked and a little upset, I asked her, "Why? What happened?"

"I want to cut my hair. Can you cut my hair for me please?"

"Can you tell me why?"

"I want to cut my hair. I want to cut my hair short. Like Yi Wen."

"Who is Yi Wen?"

"Yi Wen is my friend-lah!"

"Why do you want to cut your hair like Yi Wen?"

"I want!"

"Why?"

"Because I want to cut my hair short like Yi Wen!"

"Was it something she said? Or was it something your teacher said? Did your teacher ask you to cut your hair short like Yi Wen?"

"No."

"Then why do you want to cut your hair short?"

"Because I want!"

Obviously I wasn't getting any satisfying answer from her.

"No!", I replied out frustration.

"Why?"

"Why do you want to cut your hair? You have such beautiful long hair! And you're learning ballet, that's why you have to keep your hair long."

"I don't want (to go to) ballet class. I want to cut my hair short."

Oh Lord help me 😭😭😭

I was very bothered, honestly. But for dayssss and weekssss, she kept pestering me to get her hair cut. Every. Single. Day!

I was in denial but deep down I know, she's becoming herself and has a mind of her own. After all, she's turning 4.

Finally, when March came, with much hesitation, I called to make an appointment for her at the salon. She let out a loud "YAAAAAAAAAYYY!!!" when I told her that we're getting her hair cut that weekend.

Here's my last photo of her with her long hair.

Look at how excited she was omg!

Still have to hold hands though hahaha.

Oh my heart 💔

Before - After

The Very Very Happy Girl 💓

She wanted to cut it even shorter. Like ear length short. Like her friend, Yi Wen. No matter how the stylist and I tried to talk her out, she just kept asking for it. Until I mentioned, "Wow, your hair is short like Yi Wen now."

She calmed down and felt contented.

Whatever happened that made her wanna cut her hair, let this serves as a lesson to myself. To respect my child's decision over her own body. It is hard on me, I was taken by surprised of how upset I got because of this incident. But somehow, I will need to learn to respect her decision, be it her hair or her choice of clothing,  so that she can have the self-confident she needs.

I love you, Charlotte.

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The ‘Come Out & Play: Foodology’ Programme at THOMAS TOWN and SANRIO HELLO KITTY TOWN, Puteri Harbour, Johor

From now until April 30, 2019, kids get to enjoy food science-themed sessions - using colours, textures and experiments to inspire learning and creativity through the ‘Come Out & Play: Foodology’ programme at THOMAS TOWN and SANRIO HELLO KITTY TOWN:

Learn about nutrition through play
Little Foodologists will be introduced to the food pyramid and how calories are converted into energy via an interactive game.

Be hands-on with food preparation
It’s fun for kids to see how different ingredients behave when mixed together. Colour n’ Cream* allows kids to explore chemical reactions between salt and ice while they make their very own ice cream using just five basic ingredients!

Colour keeps things interesting
The Colour Crazy activity gives kids a fun way to see how milk and food colouring reacts with dish soap to create distinct patterns; and Lights, Lava, Action!, a simple experiment involving water, oil, effervescent tablets and food colouring, shows kids how to create their very own lava lamps!

In addition, THOMAS TOWN and SANRIO HELLO KITTY TOWN team up with Cold Stone Creamery to bring the premium ice-cream brand experience to the theme park (Red Bow Café) for a week from Saturday, March 23 to next Saturday, March 30. During this time, the first 1,000 customers with Puteri Harbour tickets will enjoy free condiments of chocolate chips, M&M’s milk chocolate/peanut, sprinkles or gummy bears with their choice of delicious vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cotton candy or pandan-flavoured ice cream.

For more information or to purchase tickets to experience the ‘Come Out & Play: Foodology’ programme at THOMAS TOWN and SANRIO HELLO KITTY TOWN, please visit www.puteriharbour.com! Families can enjoy a special discount on the Two-Park Pass when they book their tickets online using promo code ‘OTF319’ (valid from March 1 to 30).

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Michelle Mumbles #1

Woke up at 5.30am on a Sunday. I only had my eyes shut for about 5 hours. Or lesser. Which is considered good enough cause I wake up at 4.30am 5 days a week.

I dragged myself up, got myself a glass of chocolate milk and sat in front of my laptop working away. Occasionally scrolling through some social sites, for personal and work purposes.

And then I thought, wow, I just gave up sleeping.

Don't get me wrong, I would really really love to sleep in. But having some quiet time when everyone's still asleep just feels... good. The house is peaceful and I get to focus on my task.

Penning this down cause I miss the old blogging way. Just jotting down mundane stuff without having a solid purpose.

I'm gonna head back to work and hopefully, when I'm done, I get to watch some TV shows to unwind. Or maybe I'll just head back to sleep. Even just for another 5 to 10 minutes will fuel me up.

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My February 2019 in Review

Read also my January in Review Good huh I'm keeping up with this monthly review thing, albeit late haha. So proud of myself *pats on the shoulder*
So this February, it's all about the F!

1. F is for Food poisoning.

Charlotte kicked off February with food poisoning after having a snack at the mall. Then Emmett had it on the second day of Chinese New Year, after we enjoyed a reunion dinner at a well-known Japanese buffet restaurant the day before, right after Charlotte was feeling better. #winliaolo

When Charlotte was not feeling well. Emmett was trying to get her to play with him.

So I basically spent the first half of February staying at home caring for them most of the time. As a result, I gave in to my guilty pleasure, milo, to make myself feel erm comfortable and compensated wtf. Sigh, bubbye target weight.

They are both better now and let's hope it stays like this for a very very very long time.

2. F is for Fellowship

Thankfully, the kids were feeling much better during the second week of Chinese New Year. So I went ahead to attend whatever gathering I was invited to.

Gathering with church friends :)

IN.Deed gathering. I love this bunch of people. They are funny lol.

We had good food and wonderful fellowship. At least I know this year's Chinese New Year didn't passed by in vain.

3. F is for Falling ill.

I always pride myself as someone who doesn't fall sick easily. I could fully care for my kids when they're down with HFMD or influenza knowing that I will be 99.9% fine. Thanks to myself for contacting all the viruses when I was younger to build up the immune system I have today wtf. Yet, I also know that if I do fall ill, it will be reeeaaalll bad.
Guess who got the cough bug and couldn't stop coughing for almost 3 weeks until the lungs are almost out? Sigh.
Thank God it's over now. 

4. F is for Farewell.

A friend of mine lost her 8 month old son to meningitis. The virus took away his precious life in less than 24 hours. I was extremely affected by it and cried for days just thinking about it. I can't even start to imagine how my friend has to go through the day dealing with this situation. My heart still bleeds for her lost and as a fellow mom, I wish there's something I could do for her.

RIP little angel.

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CB&TL Introduces the New Matcha Sakura Tea Series

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® (CB&TL) builds on this revival of cultural flavours with its latest beverage series Matcha Sakura, using ceremonial-grade matcha harvested with first-flush Tencha and stone-milled to preserve its superior quality, says David de Candia, Tea Master for CB&TL. These premium green tea leaves are sourced directly from a small-scale family farm in Shizuoka, Japan that has been around since 1923, in order to keep the traditional harvesting methods alive while the small batches ensure the quality of leaves. The tea leaves for this grade of matcha are shade-grown for almost 30 days, resulting in a vibrant green colour, before being hand-plucked so that the leaves are not bruised. The leaves are then steamed and deveined, before being ground slowly to powder-like consistency in a granite mill over many hours.

To further enhance its flavour and to bring a new experience to tea drinkers, the matcha is then blended with a Japanese sakura syrup, made from the delicate flowers that bloom in spring, to create two Matcha Sakura beverages: Matcha Sakura Ice Blended® drink (RM17.50/S and RM18.50/R), topped with sakura whipped cream and drizzled with sakura blossom syrup, and Matcha Sakura as a hot or iced latte (RM15.50/S and RM16.50/R respectively).

Going even beyond fair trade, CB&TL has a long history of working directly with tea farmers and not via third parties. CB&TL is a leader in sourcing, developing and creating premium tea-based beverages from plantations in 10 countries including China, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand. As each type of tea has different plucking seasons, working directly with growers means tea lovers get fresher, more exclusive flavours as the different leaves go through tailor-made processes in order to produce the right balance of flavours for each and every cup.

Enjoy CB&TL’s Matcha Sakura beverages for a limited time from 6th March at all outlets, or try the Fukamushi Sencha, a whole-leaf green tea with sweet, floral and grassy hints (RM12.50/pot and RM55 for 20 tea bags).

In conjunction with the launch of the Matcha Sakura tea series, CB&TL is also partnering with local handmade bath & cosmetics brand Wunderbath to create the Wunderbath x CB&TL Matcha Sakura Lip Balm (RM20.90) & Lip Stain (RM22.90), available at 6 selected CB&TL stores nationwide, namely:

1.       Johor Bahru City Square
2.       Gurney Plaza, Penang
3.       Sunway Pyramid, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
4.       Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
5.       Kuantan City Mall
6.       Genting Premium Outlet



For more information about CB&TL’s latest offerings, news and promotions, follow 👇

CB&TL Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/CBTLMalaysiaPage 
CB&TL Instagram account : http://www.instagram.com/coffeebeanMY
CB&TL website : http://www.coffeebean.com.my.

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The Forest Adventures

There's a new mobile game app in town. It's called The Forest Adventures. It's a personalized mobile game for kids aged 3 to 7.

In this game, you can journey with your children into an interactive world of forest animals, and help 6 new forest friends get home to have a good night’s rest by solving simple, interactive puzzles in their journey home.

The game is overall fun and easy to play with parental guidance. The graphics are cute and colourful. Make sure to turn on the sound button for narration.

This game also allows your children to experience the magic of snail mail as these wonderful forest friends send their warm greetings in unique designs of envelops and letters.

What are you waiting for? Download now!

iOS: apple.co/2UU7eGD
Android: bit.ly/2E6mn1Y

More info 👇
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheForestAdventures
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theforestadventures

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